Hangar Flying

Here is a case that just blew me away…I didn’t hear about it on any national news, but maybe I just missed it.

Robert Gray, a pilot for Cape Air, wanted to move up and fly bigger airplanes. He was denied, because somebody at the TSA decided he was a threat to national security. When he wanted to know why, they told him the evidence they had was “secret” and could not be revealed. Imagine being accused of something and not even knowing what it was, but being punished for it anyway. Anyone ever heard of due process? Thankfully, the ACLU had and they stepped in to help.

Gray, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Northen Ireland, pursued more information about the charges, and suddenly found himself on the “no fly” list too. Retaliation? Appears that way.

The ACLU filed two federal lawsuits claiming that Gray had been denied due process and fair treatment by the U.S. Government. Thankfully, the court called the government’s bluff and forced them to show their hand. It was empty.

Now Gray has been exonerated, and the TSA has been ordered to assist him with any problems associated with the issue.

Another positive aspect of this, is that his employer, Cape Air, actually stood by him throughout the process. That is commendable in today’s world – many employers don’t care too much for their employees and would have just fired him and hired another pilot. I’ll bet he’s not leaving them any time soon.

Things have changed since 9-11 here in the United States, but I can hardly believe that our government would actually do this to a citizen of our country and then not provide any sort of due process or evidence supporting it. This was a clear violation of our constitution and the fact that even happened should be a warning to all U.S. citizens that our freedoms must be constantly guarded.

BTW, how many of the 9-11 terrorists were from Northern Ireland?

[Source: ACLU ]

If you are a student pilot, or are interested in learning to fly one thing I can tell you is that this experience is likely one of the most rewarding ones you could ever have. I remember my private pilot checkride like it was yesterday. When you pass your checkride, you are joining an elite group of people who have all gone through a training program that encompasses a wide variety of subject areas, all of which require a minimum amount of mastery to be a safe pilot.

Probably the best part of being a pilot is the confidence you gain. Every time I go flying, even if it is just around the pattern for touch and gos, I am rewarded with a great sense of accomplishment. It reminds me that I have a skill not many people have.

This confidence certainly carries over into other areas of your life. I recently had about a 6-month hiatus of not flying (that will be the subject of another post) and it really wore on me. For me flying is a release – being able to put some altitude between me and the ground has a renewing affect on me.

So if you are currently learning to fly, don’t give up! If you are interested in learning to fly, then by all means go do it! The rewards are many and you will be glad you did.

Blacklisted Pilot Exonerated

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